Pew's Essay 2 - Castes, Colors, Caste Laws

High Castes

 
CASTE OF INITIATES:  White
CASTE OF SCRIBES:  Blue
CASTE OF BUILDERS: Yellow
CASTE OF PHYSICIANS: Green
CASTE OF WARRIORS: Scarlet
 

Low Castes

 
CASTE OF MERCHANTS:  White and Gold
CASTE OF SLAVERS: Blue and Yellow

CASTLE OF MONEYLENDERS
CASTE OF BAKERS: Orange and Brown

CASTE OF BUTCHERS

CASTE OF WINEMAKERS

CASTE OF SAILORS

CASTE OF FISHERMEN

CASTE OF ARTISANS
CASTE OF POT MAKERS: Brown and Green
CASTE OF SADDLE MAKERS: Tan
CASTE OF METAL WORKERS: Gray 

CASTE OF RUG MAKERS

CASTE OF WEAVERS

CASTE OF CARDERS

CASTE OF DRYERS

CASTE OF CLOTHIERS

CASTE OF DRESS MAKERS

CASTE OF ROPE MAKERS

CASTE OF LEATHERWORKERS
CASTE OF TORTURERS: Black and Red
CASTLE OF PLAYERS: Checkered

Caste Codes

 
Each caste maintains a series of beliefs and rules for its members, which are followed when one is practicing one's profession. These are called the caste's "codes" and deal mainly with matters specific to that particular profession; i.e, a member of the caste of merchants would follow his or her caste codes in regards to maintaining a profitable trade, presenting merchandise in an honest fashion, haggling, etc. Each caste's codes are different.


Purpose of Caste and how does one usually become part of a Caste

 
The Gorean's occupation is formed and informed by their caste. The Caste system establishes the Gorean identity as strongly as homeland. Goreans within structured cultures, are born to a caste, both men and women it is said, belong to the caste of their parents. This would mean that, yes, while a woman may be born to the Caste of Warriors, the practice of the caste's trade is, however, subject to training, and it is not documented anywhere that women of Gor did indeed receive this training. Gorean are able to change castes and the caste of women too, although initially determined by birthright, is subject to change upon companionship. The Gorean free woman may then take her companion's caste, or retain her own. The children born of their union, regardless of this, will of course carry the caste rights of their father.

Where does the Caste of Assassins fit in the Hierarchy of Castes and in Society?

 
Caste of Assassins is a Low Caste but its exact place within the hierarchy of Low Castes is never given. The Assassin Caste is one of the few Castes where you must actively join it to become a member.  It is not a Caste that you are born into.  This is similar to the Castes of the Initiates and Players. The Assassin Caste is very selective in their acceptance of candidates for their training.  They seek certain qualities that have proven over time to lead to effective Assassins.  It is thought that they seek individuals who are quick, cunning, strong and skilled.  Such individuals may also possess a bit of selfishness and greed.  The books state that the Assassins seek men to join their Caste.  There are no Assassin references that indicate women are permitted to join the Caste.

Assassins are the most hated caste on Gor though it is not considered the lowest of Castes. It is a Low Caste but its exact place within the hierarchy of Low Castes is never given.  Though hated, the Assassins are also feared greatly.  People try to avoid the presence of an Assassin, often leaving a place where an Assassin enters.  They will cross the street to avoid passing by an Assassin.  Some go as far as not even wanting to touch the shadow of an Assassin.